Tradition

The traditional work triangle is a thing of the past. The kitchen dynamic has changed throughout the years. The recent events of Covid-19, even more, have affected these designs. Kitchen layouts should be centered around the fundamental activities that take place daily, reflecting the owner’s lifestyle. As a designer, we have done away with the work triangle and progress to focusing on designing the kitchen to its maximum capabilities, introducing work zones to intertwine all kitchen functions effectively.

Lifestyle

The work triangle has been a primary source for ages to assist designers with laying out kitchens properly to accommodate efficient traffic flow and a practical work system for preparing, storing, and cooking that is necessary within the kitchen confines. This system only supported three major appliances; sink, refrigerator, and oven range. As kitchens begin to modernize, the kitchen not only serves the needs of the “housewife” but the needs of the entire family. Good design depends on the utilization of the homeowner and different requirements for different family dynamics. When designing any space, one of the main questions is how you use the area? A single man will use the kitchen differently from a couple with kids. The modern kitchen continues to transform and mold into a space for many activities. The kitchen is now a primary space for gathering as people continue to convert dining spaces into home offices and function as a workspace to complete tasks like virtual schooling.

More Accommodations

“Commercial kitchen designs have made an impact on residential kitchen design” The open-plan kitchen has become very popular, and the want for a larger kitchen continues to be the reason for renovations and additional work zones. Within larger kitchens, homeowners are interested in separating and “doubling up” appliances such as ovens, sinks, and refrigerators. These changes usually require additional prep areas, creating the domino effect for more clean-up zones that were not considered within the traditional work triangle.

Work Zones

With these new accommodations, work zones work more efficiently than the work triangle but still assist in the process. Creating these zones considers ergonomics, efficiency, and of course, lifestyle. To ensure these zones provide a positive user experience, clearances and placement have been taken into account for the utilization of the space with several users and appliances. The new legs for work zones consist of:

• Cooking Zones – Ovens, Cooktops, Etc.,
  This zone should be near the prep zone and clean-up zone.
  Multiple cooks cause for additional zones that share refrigeration but separate some cooking appliances, prep and cleaning zones to avoid cooks running into each other
  Example:
  Zone #1 – consists of an oven, cutting board, sink, waste bins, refrigeration
  Zone #2 – Cooktop, Cutting board, sink, dishwasher, refrigeration

● Prep Zones – Cutting Board, Small Appliances, Microwave, Etc.,
Near cook zones

● Clean-Up Zones – Waste Bins, Sink, Dishwasher, Cleaning Products
This zone should be located next to storage zones for ease of storage.

● Work Zones – Computer, Homework, Charging Area, etc.,
This zone never should interfere with the workflow that the cook occupies.

● Storage Zone – Refrigeration, Pots & Pans, Tupperware, Utensils, Etc.,
Essential staple to good workflow recommended to stay near clean up zone